Convertible Hat-Handbag System And Conversion Kit

ABSTRACT

A convertible hat-handbag system is disclosed, which may be embodied as a kit for converting a hat into a handbag. When the hat is not being worn, the hat may be turned upside down and folded to bring opposing portions of the hat&#39;s brim together over a crown of the hat. A clasp may be used to hold the opposing portions of the brim together. A handle may be coupled to the clasp via a strap for carrying the hat along with any loose articles placed in the crown. A pouch may be provided for organizing the loose articles in the crown. In some examples, the clasp comprises magnetic members that pinch the opposing portions of the brim together with enough force to suspend the weight of the hat and loose articles from the handle.

BACKGROUND

A hat is a timeless article of clothing that can be both functional and fashionable. There are a myriad of different styles of hats to suit one's fashion tastes while performing necessary functions like protecting the head and keeping the sun out of the eyes of the wearer. There are many occasions, however, when the user desires to remove a hat when away from home or otherwise has no convenient place to put the hat. When that happens, the hat is one more article that the user must carry and keep track of until reaching his or her destination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the method.

FIG. 1 is a side assembly view of one example embodiment of the Hat-and-Carry™ convertible hat-handbag system.

FIG. 2 is a side assembly view of the system from another direction.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view providing a general overview of the hat suitable for use with this disclosure in an upright position.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a hat-handbag conversion kit suitable for use with the hat of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the hat as alternatively pre-configured for a convertible hat-handbag system that reversibly converts between the hat and a handbag.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the hat of the convertible hat-handbag system, with additional clasp members.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hat turned upside down and folded, as may be done for either a conversion kit (e.g., FIG. 4) or convertible hat-handbag system (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6).

FIG. 8 is a top view of the pouch with an example design.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the strap coupled to the handle with an example design matching the pouch of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a Hat-and-Carry™ system used to convert a hat to a handbag for easily carrying the hat along with other loose articles in the hat. The hat may be worn normally when desired. When not being worn, a user may quickly and easily convert the hat to a handbag with a handle. The handle makes it easier to carry the hat when not being worn. Loose articles (e.g., personal items) may also be stowed in the crown of the hat and carried as well. The Hat-and-Carry™ system may be embodied, for example, as a kit for easily converting any of a wide variety of hats. That way, a user may convert his or her existing hat. Alternatively, the Hat-and-Carry™ system may include the hat with features allowing it to be converted into a handbag, and which may include one or more elements pre-secured to the hat to facilitate the conversion.

One example of a conversion kit includes a clasp configured for holding opposing portions of a brim of the hat together over the crown. The clasp may be secured to the brim with sufficient force to hold a combined weight of the hat and one or more loose articles. The clasp may, more particularly, comprise magnets positionable about the opposing portions of the brim with sufficient attraction to hold the opposing portions of the brim together while supporting the combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat. A pouch may also be provided with one or more compartments for organizing the loose articles inside the crown. A strap may be included for coupling the hat to a handle suspended from a carry strap. The strap may be replaceable with different designs, such as to visually coordinate the Hat-and-Carry™ system with other clothing articles.

FIG. 1 is a side assembly view of one example embodiment of the Hat-and-Carry™ convertible hat-handbag system (alternately referred to herein as “system”) 10. The system 10 is shown in a “carry mode” wherein a hat 20 has been reversibly converted, functionally, to a handbag for carrying one or more loose articles as further detailed below. The hat 20 has been turned upside down and folded, and opposing portions of a brim 22 of the hat 20 have been brought together and secured by a clasp generally indicated at 60. A handle 40 is coupled to the hat 20 via a strap 50. More particularly, the strap 50 is supported on the handle 40, and the strap 50 is coupled to the clasp 60. Thus, the hat 20, handle 40, strap 50, and/or clasp 60 are directly or indirectly coupled to each other in such a way that the user can carry the hat 20 and any loose articles placed in the hat 20 by holding the handle 40. The handle is ring-shaped in this example and sized for comfortably holding by a user's hand 12, or over an arm between a wrist and an elbow of the arm. However, any suitable handle shape is within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side assembly view of the system 10 from another direction. A pouch 70 is optionally included for organizing the loose articles carried in the hat 20. For purpose of this discussion, a loose article can be any object other than the hat and it is loose in the sense that it can be carried in and removed from the hat. Examples of loose articles may include personal items, such as cash, credits cards, keys, a cell phone, a wallet, a makeup, or other items to be carried within the folded hat 20. The pouch 70 may be loosely positionable in the hat 20 so it can be subsequently removed from the hat 20 for ease of organizing the loose articles within the pouch 70. Alternatively, the pouch 70 may be sewn in or otherwise secured within the hat 20 so that the hat 20 can be worn without removing the pouch 70 (but preferably with the loose articles removed from the pouch 70). The strap 50 includes two strap legs 51, 52 on either side of the hat 20 and the handle 40. This example configuration optionally uses a continuous section of fabric for the strap 50 that drapes over the handle 40 at around the middle of the strap 50, forming respective strap legs 51, 52 that hang down on either side of where opposing portions of a brim 22 are brought together. A ferromagnetic member may be included in each leg, as further discussed below, as an example of a clasp. These ferromagnetic members are attracted to one another with sufficient force to hold the hat and support the combined weight of the hat and loose articles carried in the hat.

Components of the system 10 such as the example in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be sold or otherwise provided in the form of a hat-handbag conversion kit. Such a kit need not include the hat 20 itself Alternatively, certain components of the system 10 may be integrated into the hat 20, and sold or otherwise provided in the form of a convertible hat-handbag system that includes the hat. An advantage of a hat-handbag conversion kit is that a user may reversibly convert the user's own hat to a handbag. An advantage of a convertible hat-handbag system is that integrating certain elements into the hat during manufacture could result in a reliable option with fewer or otherwise simplified assembly steps to be performed by the user. Certain elements may be the same as or functionally similar whether embodied as a convertible hat-handbag system that includes the hat or as a conversion kit that excludes the hat. A variety of different example options are discussed below for each element and how these elements are structurally and functionally interrelated.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view providing a general overview of the hat 20 in its upright position. The main parts of the hat 20 include the brim 22 and the crown 24. The crown 24 is the part of the hat that fits on a person's head. The brim 22 is attached to the base of the crown 24 and circles the crown 24 either partially or completely. The brim 22 may be formed of stiffer material than the crown 24, although it is desirable to select a hat that can be folded without damage. Conveniently, this type of hat 20 has a wide brim with sufficient flexibility to fold easily by hand (without damaging the hat) to bring opposing portions of the brim 22 together. Other parts of the hat 20 that are not necessarily required are a sweatband (not shown) inside the hat at the base of the crown 24, and which may completely circle the inside of the crown 24. A hatband 25 circles the outside of the crown 24 at the juncture of the crown 24 and the brim 22. The hatband 25 can be made of several different materials, including ribbon, string, leather or velvet. This part of the hat is often decorative but also has the practical function of keeping the hat 20 from losing its shape. Different kinds of hats may have different sized brims 22. For instance, a baseball cap has a wide brim, but the brim is only present at the front of the hat. A fedora dress hat, by comparison, is typically made of felt and has a medium brim that circles the hat.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a hat-handbag conversion kit 100 suitable for use with the hat 20 of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. Generally, the kit 100 may include the handle 40 for holding by hand, the strap 50 for suspending the hat 20 from the handle 40, the clasp generally indicated at 60 for holding the hat 20 folded and support the hat 20 from the strap 50, the pouch 70 for organizing contents to be carried in the crown 24 of the hat, and optionally, a clip 90 for securing the handle 40 to another handbag or other clothing article. The clip 90 is depicted by way of example as a Carabiner clip, but may be of any suitable type for securing the handle 40 to another handbag or other clothing article. The hat 20 is shown upside down for reference, as it would be positioned for placing loose articles into the crown 24. The hat 20 need not be included with the kit 100. Rather, the user can select the user's own hat for use with this conversion kit 100. However, in some implementations, the seller or provider of the kit 100 could also provide one or more hats suitable for use with the kit 100, and may integrate one or more features into the hat to facilitate its use with the kit 100.

The strap 50 in this kit 100 is coupled to the handle 40. More particularly, in this example, the strap 50 passes over and through the handle 40, and extends down on either side of the handle 40, a first strap leg 51 and a second strap leg 52. The two strap legs 51, 52 are optionally interconnected by a center section 53 extending over and through the handle 40. The center section 53 may be a separate piece of fabric from the strap legs 51, 52, and may be separable from the strap legs 51, 52, such as for changing out the strap legs 51, 52 to replace them or change designs. Alternatively, the strap legs 51, 52 and center section 53 may be different portions of a unitary strip of fabric. The two strap legs 51, 52 may also be joined at a connection location 54 below the handle, such as by stitching or other fastener near the handle 40, so that the handle 40 and strap 50 remain secured to one another and stay on the handle 40 even when the kit 100 is disassembled.

The clasp 60 may comprise any of a variety of clasp members 61 and/or 62, that cooperate to secure opposing portions of the brim 22 of the hat 20 when the hat 20 is folded to bring the opposing portions of the brim 22 together over the crown 24 of the hat 20. Non-limiting examples of clasp members conceptually illustrated in the figure include ferromagnetic members 61 a, 62 a releasably securable to each other by ferromagnetic attraction. The ferromagnetic members 61 a, 62 a may comprise two magnets, or a magnet and a ferrous object, that are attracted to one another. Alternatively, the clasp members 61, 62 may comprise first and second snap members 61 b, 62 b that snap together with each other or other snap members or first and second hook-and-loop members 61 c, 62 c releasably securable to each other or other hook-and-loop members. In still other embodiments, the clasp members 61, 62 may include opposing clamp legs of a spring-loaded clamp. In yet other embodiments, the clasp 60 may comprise a slider on one or both of the strap legs 51, 52 that when moved towards ends of the strap legs may hold the opposing portions of the brim together.

In some embodiments of the kit 100, the clasp members 61, 62 may be pre-secured to the respective strap legs 51, 52 as drawn in FIG. 4, such as by being sewn-in, glued to, or otherwise pre-secured to the strap 50. In other embodiments, alternatively, the clasp members 61, 62 or additional clasp members may be included with the kit 100, initially as separate pieces that are securable by the user to the hat 20 with a fastener, such as clutch type pin and pin backing used for securing badges to uniforms. The choice of fastener may be small and unobtrusive, so that once pre-secured to the hat 20, the hat 20 may be worn with the clasp members 61, 62 still secured thereto. In still other embodiments, the hat 20 may be included with the kit 100 and the clasp members 61, 62 or additional clasp members may alternatively be pre-secured to the hat 20 by the provider of the kit 100, such as at example locations 64, 65 on the brim 22 of the hat 20. For example, the clasp members 61, 62 or additional clasp members may be sewn or otherwise affixed to the brim 22 of the hat 20 and sold with the hat 20.

The pouch 70 is sized for positioning within the crown 24 of the hat 20. The pouch 70 may include at least one compartment, e.g., pockets 71, 72, and/or a zipper compartment 73 for containing one or more loose articles. The pouch can be structurally separate from the hat 20 and sized and shaped to fit within the interior of the crown 24 of the hat 20. For example, the pouch 70 may be circular to fit the generally circular shape of the crown 24, and may have a diameter of within 90% of a diameter of the crown 24. Alternatively, the pouch 70 may be securable to the hat 20 or even stitched or otherwise pre-fastened to the hat 20 so that the pouch 70 remains within the crown 24 while the hat 20 is worn. Preferably, loose articles such as keys, phone, loose change, and so forth, would be removed before wearing the hat 20 to maximize comfort, although the pouch 70 could be used to hide loose articles, such as cash and credit cards even while the user is wearing the hat 20.

The hat-handbag conversion kit 100 may also include a clip 90 for securing the handle 40 or the strap 50 to another handbag or other clothing article and for suspending the hat 20 from the another handbag or other clothing article. Any suitable configuration of a clip 90 may be used, and the one shown is merely one example of a clip.

Thus, any number of different configurations could be composed from any possible combination of the different example kit elements discussed above. One preferred example configuration of the hat-handbag conversion kit 100 may include the pouch 70 and the first and second ferromagnetic members 61 c, 62 c. The strap 50 may come with the first and second ferromagnetic member 61 c, 62 c already secured to the strap 50 rather than requiring that as a separate step by the user. When the ferromagnetic members 61 c, 62 c are positioned about the opposing portions of the brim 22 the ferromagnetic members 61 c, 62 c may grip tightly enough both to hold the opposing portions of the brim 22 together and support a combined weight of the hat 20 and its contents from the handle 40 carried by the user. Desirably, such an example configuration of the hat-handbag conversion kit could be provided without any hat, and used to reversibly convert an existing hat to a handbag without needing to pre-secure clasp members or strap to the hat. The handbag could then be converted back to a hat with the strap 50 and clasp members 61, 62 fully removed from the brim 22.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the hat 20 as alternatively pre-configured for use with a convertible hat-handbag system 200 of FIG. 4. In this convertible hat-handbag system 200, the hat 20 includes some of the same features such as the brim 22 and crown 24 as depicted in other figures. However, clasp members 161, 162 may now be pre-secured to the brim 22. These clasp members 161, 162 may be additional clasp members that cooperate with clasp members on a carrying strap such as the strap 50 of FIG. 4. The additional clasp members 161, 162 may include corresponding ferromagnetic members, snap members, hook-and-loop members, or other type of clasp members that are designed to be releasably secured one to the other. These clasp members 161, 162 may be used to secured opposing portions of the brim 22 when the hat 20 is folded. These clasp members 161, 162 may also be used to couple the hat 20 to the carrying strap and/or a handle. For instances, the clasp members 161, 162 may be releasably coupled to each other to hold opposing portions of the brim 22 together and/or with clasp members on the carrying strap such as to releasably secure the strap to the hat 20.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the hat 20 pre-configured for use with the convertible hat-handbag system 200, wherein additional clasp members 161, 162 are secured to the underside of the brim 22. The additional clasp members 161, 162 are depicted, by way of example, as snaps, although any other suitable clasp members may be used including but not limited to magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and so on. These additional clasp members 161, 162 may releasably snap together when the hat is folded, and/or connect with clasp members on the carrying strap. Using the additional clasp members 161, 162 may provide additional strength for securing the opposing portions of the brim 22 together and for supporting the weight of the hat 20 and its contents on the carrying strap and handle.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hat 20 turned upside down and folded to bring opposing portions 31, 32 of the brim 22 together, as may be done for either a conversion kit (e.g., FIG. 4) or convertible hat-handbag system (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6). The strap legs 51, 52 are schematically shown adjacent the opposing portions 31, 32 of the brim 22 that have been brought together by folding the hat 20. The clasp members 61, 62 and optional additional clasp members 161, 162 are used to couple the strap legs 51, 52 to the hat 20 and to hold the opposing portions 31, 32 together. For example, the clasp members 61, 62 may comprise ferromagnetic members that attract each other through the brim 22 with a force “F” that both squeezes the opposing portions 31, 32 together and at least frictionally secures the strap legs 51, 52 to the hat 20. Additional clasp members such as described above may be used to help couple the strap legs 51, 52 to the hat and/or to secure the opposing portions 31, 32 of the brim 22 together. Thus, the handle 40 may be held by hand to suspend the hat 20 from the handle 40 and to support the combined weight of the hat 20 and any contents placed in the brim 22. The strap 50 may be any suitable length, such as to hold the hat 20 at a convenient carrying height. In one example, the strap legs 51, 52 may be about 6 inches (15.2 cm) long.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the pouch 70 with an example design. The pouch 70 may be formed from a lightweight fabric 76 or other flexible materials to minimize weight. An edge 78 of the pouch may be reinforced with a thicker or stiffer material to help the pouch 70 hold its shape. Its shape may be round to conform with a typical crown of a hat. The fabric 76 or other material may be provided with any given design. Optionally, multiple different designs, or user-customizable designs, may be provided. The pouch 70 may also be provided either in a universal size, such as around 6 inches (15.2 cm), or in different sizes for different sizes of hats.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the strap 50 coupled to the handle 40 according to a particular example design. The design of the strap 50 may be selected to match the design of the pouch 70 of FIG. 8, for example, or any other user-selectable design. Optionally, the strap 50 or individual strap legs 51, 52 are replaceable. The strap 50 or individual strap legs 51, 52 may be held onto the handle 40 such as using releasable fasteners such as magnets, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as at the connection location 54 below the handle. A kit such as the kit 100 of FIG. 4 may also include one or more replacement straps or strap legs.

As can be appreciated in view of the foregoing discussion, the Hat-and-Carry™ system therefore encompasses a wide variety of different configurations that may be used to convert a hat to a handbag for carrying the hat and loose articles placed in the brim of the hat. Numerous elements are expressly disclosed by way of example. Any combination of these elements or equivalent variations thereof may be included in any given embodiment. The following is a non-limiting set of example configurations covered by this disclosure.

Example Configuration 1. A hat-handbag conversion kit, comprising: a clasp securable to opposing portions of a brim of a folded hat to hold the opposing portions of the brim together over a crown of the hat; and a handle coupled to the clasp, wherein the clasp is secured to the brim with sufficient force to support a combined weight of the hat and one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.

Example Configuration 2. The hat-handbag conversion kit of Example Configuration 1, wherein the clasp comprises first and second ferromagnetic members positionable about the opposing portions of the brim and having sufficient magnetic attraction to hold the opposing portions of the brim together while supporting the combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.

Example Configuration 3. The hat-handbag conversion kit of Example Configuration 2, further comprising: a strap secured to the handle and to one or both of the first and second ferromagnetic members.

Example Configuration 4. The hat-handbag conversion kit of Example Configuration 3, wherein the strap comprises a first strap leg secured to the first ferromagnetic member and a second strap leg secured to the second ferromagnetic member.

Example Configuration 5. The hat-handbag conversion kit of Example Configuration 4, further comprising one or more replacement strap leg interchangeable with one or both of the first strap leg and the second strap leg.

Example Configuration 6. The hat-handbag conversion kit of any of Example Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the clasp comprises a first clasp member pre-securable to one of the opposing portions of the brim and a second clasp member pre-securable to the other of the opposing portions of the brim, such that the first and second clasp members remain secured to the brim while wearing the hat and are releasably securable one to the other when the hat is folded.

Example Configuration 7. The hat-handbag conversion kit of Example Configuration 6, wherein the first and second clasp members comprise first and second ferromagnetic members releasably securable one to the other by ferromagnetic attraction, first and second snap members releasably securable by snapping together, or first and second hook-and-loop members releasably securable on contact.

Example Configuration 8. The hat-handbag conversion kit of any of Example Configurations 1 to 7, further comprising: a pouch sized for positioning within the crown of the hat and including at least one compartment for containing the one or more loose articles.

Example Configuration 9. The hat-handbag conversion kit of Example Configuration 8, wherein the pouch is structurally separate from the hat and has a diameter of within 90% of a diameter of the crown.

Example Configuration 10. The hat-handbag conversion kit of any of Example Configurations 1 to 8, wherein the pouch is securable to the hat so that the pouch remains within the crown while the hat is worn.

Example Configuration 11. The hat-handbag conversion kit of any of Example Configurations 1 to 10, further comprising a clip for securing the handle to a handbag or other clothing article and for suspending the hat from the handbag or other clothing article.

Example Configuration 12. The hat-handbag conversion kit of any of Example Configurations 1 to 10, wherein the handle comprises a ring sized to fit over an arm between a wrist and an elbow of the arm.

Example Configuration 13. A hat-handbag conversion kit, comprising: a pouch sized for positioning within a crown of a hat and including at least one compartment for containing one or more loose articles; a clasp securable to opposing portions of a brim of a folded hat to hold the opposing portions of the brim together over a crown of the hat, the clasp including first and second ferromagnetic members positionable about the opposing portions of the brim and having sufficient magnetic attraction to hold the opposing portions of the brim together while supporting a combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat; a strap including a first strap leg secured to the first ferromagnetic member and a second strap leg secured to the second ferromagnetic member; and a handle secured to the clasp via the strap, wherein the clasp and the handle support a combined weight of the hat, the pouch received in the crown of the hat, and the one or more loose articles contained in the pouch.

Example Configuration 14. A convertible hat-handbag system, comprising: a hat including a crown having an open end configured for positioning over a user's head when wearing the hat and for carrying one or more loose articles when not wearing the hat, wherein the hat is foldable to bring opposing portions of the brim together over the open end of the crown when the hat is not being worn; a clasp configured for securing the opposing portions of the brim together with sufficient force to support a combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles; and a handle coupled to the clasp for supporting the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.

Example Configuration 15. The convertible hat-handbag system of Example Configuration 14, wherein the clasp comprises first and second ferromagnetic members positionable about the opposing portions of the brim and having sufficient attraction to hold the opposing portions of the brim together and support the combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.

Example Configuration 16. The convertible hat-handbag system of Example Configuration 15, further comprising: a strap securable to the handle, wherein one or both of the first and second ferromagnetic members are pre-secured to the strap.

Example Configuration 17. The convertible hat-handbag system of Example Configuration 15, wherein one or both of the first and second ferromagnetic members are pre-secured to the brim of the hat.

Example Configuration 18. The convertible hat-handbag system of Example Configuration 14, wherein the clasp comprises a first clasp member secured to one of the opposing portions of the brim and a second clasp member secured to the other of the opposing portions of the brim, wherein the first and second clasp members are releasably securable one to the other when the hat is folded.

Example Configuration 19. The convertible hat-handbag system of Example Configuration 18, wherein the first and second clasp members comprise first and second ferromagnetic members, first and second snap members, or first and second hook-and-loop members.

Example Configuration 20. The convertible hat-handbag system of any of Example Configurations 14 to 19, further comprising: a pouch sized for positioning within the crown of the hat and including at least one compartment for containing the one or more loose articles and that fits within the crown.

For the sake of brevity, only certain example values and ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

Therefore, the present embodiments are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Although individual embodiments are discussed, all combinations of each embodiment are contemplated and covered by the disclosure. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hat-handbag conversion kit, comprising: a clasp securable to opposing portions of a brim of a folded hat to hold the opposing portions of the brim together over a crown of the hat; and a handle coupled to the clasp, wherein the clasp is secured to the brim with sufficient force to support a combined weight of the hat and one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.
 2. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the clasp comprises first and second ferromagnetic members positionable about the opposing portions of the brim and having sufficient magnetic attraction to hold the opposing portions of the brim together while supporting the combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.
 3. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 2, further comprising: a strap secured to the handle and to one or both of the first and second ferromagnetic members.
 4. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 3, wherein the strap comprises a first strap leg secured to the first ferromagnetic member and a second strap leg secured to the second ferromagnetic member.
 5. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 4, further comprising one or more replacement strap leg interchangeable with one or both of the first strap leg and the second strap leg.
 6. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the clasp comprises a first clasp member pre-securable to one of the opposing portions of the brim and a second clasp member pre-securable to the other of the opposing portions of the brim, such that the first and second clasp members remain secured to the brim while wearing the hat and are releasably securable one to the other when the hat is folded.
 7. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 6, wherein the first and second clasp members comprise first and second ferromagnetic members releasably securable one to the other by ferromagnetic attraction, first and second snap members releasably securable by snapping together, or first and second hook-and-loop members releasably securable on contact.
 8. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 1, further comprising: a pouch sized for positioning within the crown of the hat and including at least one compartment for containing the one or more loose articles.
 9. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 8, wherein the pouch is structurally separate from the hat and has a diameter of within 90% of a diameter of the crown.
 10. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 8, wherein the pouch is securable to the hat so that the pouch remains within the crown while the hat is worn.
 11. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 1, further comprising a clip for securing the handle to a handbag or other clothing article and for suspending the hat from the handbag or other clothing article.
 12. The hat-handbag conversion kit of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a ring sized to fit over an arm between a wrist and an elbow of the arm.
 13. A hat-handbag conversion kit, comprising: a pouch sized for positioning within a crown of a hat and including at least one compartment for containing one or more loose articles; a clasp configured for securing opposing portions of a brim of the hat when the hat is folded to bring the opposing portions of the brim together over the crown of the hat, the clasp including first and second ferromagnetic members positionable about the opposing portions of the brim and having sufficient magnetic attraction to hold the opposing portions of the brim together while supporting a combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat; a strap including a first strap leg secured to the first ferromagnetic member and a second strap leg secured to the second ferromagnetic member; and a handle secured to the clasp via the strap, wherein the clasp and the handle support a combined weight of the hat, the pouch received in the crown of the hat, and the one or more loose articles contained in the pouch.
 14. A convertible hat-handbag system, comprising: a hat including a crown and a brim extending from the crown, the crown configured for positioning over a user's head when wearing the hat and for containing one or more loose articles when not wearing the hat, wherein the hat is foldable to bring opposing portions of the brim together over the open end of the crown when the hat is not being worn; a clasp configured for securing the opposing portions of the brim together with sufficient force to support a combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles; and a handle securable to the clasp for supporting the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.
 15. The convertible hat-handbag system of claim 14, wherein the clasp comprises first and second ferromagnetic members positionable about the opposing portions of the brim and having sufficient attraction to hold the opposing portions of the brim together and support the combined weight of the hat and the one or more loose articles received in the crown of the hat.
 16. The convertible hat-handbag system of claim 15, further comprising: a strap securable to the handle, wherein one or both of the first and second ferromagnetic members are pre-secured to the strap.
 17. The convertible hat-handbag system of claim 15, wherein one or both of the first and second ferromagnetic members are pre-secured to the brim of the hat.
 18. The convertible hat-handbag system of claim 14, wherein the clasp comprises a first clasp member secured to one of the opposing portions of the brim and a second clasp member secured to the other of the opposing portions of the brim, wherein the first and second clasp members are releasably securable one to the other when the hat is folded.
 19. The convertible hat-handbag system of claim 18, wherein the first and second clasp members comprise first and second ferromagnetic members, first and second snap members, or first and second hook-and-loop members.
 20. The convertible hat-handbag system of claim 14, further comprising: a pouch sized for positioning within the crown of the hat and including at least one compartment for containing the one or more loose articles and that fits within the crown. 